Showcasing fresh ingredients and the creativity of its mixologists, Hilton Hotel Sydney has launched the ‘Farmers Market’ at Zeta Bar.

Once inside the bar wander between barrows stacked high to choose fruit and vegetable ingredients to create your own cocktail. Next, select a herb or spice to add – the ‘grocers’ in denim cut offs, bandanas and white cotton shirts are well-briefed and ready to assist. Then step up to the bar to choose a base spirit like rum, vodka or gin. Those who are very brave can choose from a basket of unusual ‘modifiers’ like Crème de Banana or Violet. The Zeta Bar team will then create your own cocktail which you name – the recipe is printed on your receipt.

If creating your own cocktail is a little too ‘choose your own adventure’ for a Friday night, there are Farmer’s Specials like Beetroot Mojitos served in preserving jars and Nitro Milk Bottles. Edible dirt is also served – a concoction of chocolate, cacao and sugar, baked until it’s reduced to crumbs and served with ‘worms’ made of sugar, absinthe and gelatine.

The man behind the Farmers Market concept is Grant Collins, an award-winning, international consultant who has previously brought pop-up concepts like ‘Extreme Cabaret’ and a ‘Cryogenic Sorbet’ bar to Zeta Bar.

A white picket fence separates the Farmers Market from the rest of Zeta Bar – numbers are limited on a first in first served basis. There’s hay on the floor, in wooden crates and even in the air – Collins developed a ‘mist’ to be sprayed regularly for that ‘just cut’ hay smell. Folksy music like Mumford & Sons add to the country atmosphere.

A pop-up bar within a bar – the Farmers Market at Zeta Bar will run every Friday night until mid-June.

Location: Hilton Sydney, Level 4, 488 George Street
Phone: 02 9265 6070
Hours:  Fri 6pm-10pm
Cost: Farmer’s Specials start from $18, ‘Create your own’ start from $19
Details: www.zetabar.com.au, or www.facebook.com/zetabarsydney